Metoclopramide inhibits proliferation of leukemia stem cells, finds study

Extensive research

The study presented in this publication involved exceptionally extensive research. This is also true with regard to the interdisciplinary teams participating from the Department of Medical Oncology, the Department for Biomedical Research, the Institute of Cell Biology and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Hematology at the Bern University Hospital and the University of Bern. Prof. Dr. sc. nat. Carsten Riether explains: "In order to develop a new, promising approach to combat CML, contributions from numerous disciplines were necessary and different research approaches had to be pursued. In a screening procedure, we elicited the candidate Metoclopramide and were subsequently able to demonstrate its effect on the CD93 signaling pathway in both in-vitro and in-vivo experiments." The research infrastructure in Bern is optimally designed for such major projects. The expertise in fundamental research at the Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR) and in clinical research at the University Hospital are closely linked and can rapidly produce sound results.

What are the next research activities?

The results have pinpointed CD93 as a specific regulator responsible for leukemia stem cell proliferation. This identifies a promising pathway to targeting leukemia stem cells. Further studies must now prove the clinical effect and relevance. Prof. Adrian Ochsenbein outlines the following picture: "Thanks to this pool of expertise, we were able to identify Metoclopramide as a promising candidate for CML therapy. And with the broad-based research infrastructure and our excellent national and international network, we are hopefully in a position to present clinical results within a reasonable timescale.